In this review, we will be comparing L82 Classic and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
JBL L82 Classic Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 8" Pulp Woofer
- 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-125watts
- Weight:12.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 472.8" x 11.0" x 12.4"( 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm )
Klipsch RP-600M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer
- 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:7.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 399.0" x 7.9" x 11.8"( 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm )
What size room are the JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
JBL L82 Classic |
Klipsch RP-600M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both L82 Classic and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL L82 Classic |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
L82 Classic features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1700Hz. On the other hand, the RP-600M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
L82 Classic has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the L82 Classic can go slightly deeper then the RP-600M's min frequency of 45Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
L82 Classic and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. L82 Classic sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the RP-600M's is at 96 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL L82 Classic, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
L82 Classic can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the L82 Classic.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RP-600M features Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. L82 Classic has a Five-way gold-plated binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL L82 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
Klipsch RP-600M's Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
L82 Classic has a front firing port whereas RP-600M has a rear firing ports. JBL L82 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-600M with its rear-firing port.
Klipsch RP-600M Tractrix horn-shaped Port
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare JBL L82 Classic's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. JBL L82 Classic has external dimensions of 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm ( 18.6 x 11.0 x 12.4inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm ( 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch) .
JBL L82 Classic is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 79mm wider, 73.8mm taller and 14.5mm deeper than Klipsch RP-600M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the JBL L82 Classic is approximately 886.6cm2 / 137.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The L82 Classic requires 46% more surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The JBL L82 Classic weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the L82 Classic 75% heavier than the RP-600M.
Here is a comparison of how L82 Classic and RP-600M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL L82 Classic?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L82 Classic:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Terminal jumpers (installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information